In a scintillating display of tactical flexibility, Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 victory over Leganés in LaLiga on Sunday. The star of the show was none other than Kylian Mbappé, who found the back of the net from a new left-sided role, ending his four-game goal drought in style.
Ancelotti’s Positional Masterstroke
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti opted for a surprising positional swap, deploying Mbappé on the left wing and shifting Vinícius Júnior to a more central role. The move paid immediate dividends as the French superstar opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, latching onto a sumptuous pass from Vinícius before slotting home from close range.
It was a good game from beginning to end. We changed the positions of the forwards a bit, with Mbappé on the outside, and he did well.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid Manager
Ancelotti was effusive in his praise for both forwards, highlighting their growing understanding and potential for the future:
Vinicius did well too, on the inside. Little by little the two are getting better.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid Manager
Valverde Shines at Right-Back
With regular right-backs Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez sidelined through injury, Ancelotti turned to the versatile Federico Valverde to fill the void. The Uruguayan midfielder put in a stellar performance, even getting on the scoresheet in the second half to double Madrid’s lead.
Valverde is a fantastic full-back. After Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez, he’s the best in the world!
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid Manager
Ancelotti hinted that Valverde could retain his spot for the upcoming Champions League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, a match Madrid desperately need to win to keep their European hopes alive.
Bellingham Seals the Deal
English prodigy Jude Bellingham capped off a dominant Madrid display with a well-taken goal in the closing stages, further underlining his growing importance to Los Blancos’ midfield. The 19-year-old’s seamless adaptation to life in the Spanish capital has been a major talking point this season.
Looking Ahead to Liverpool
As Madrid turn their attention to the crunch tie at Anfield, Ancelotti will be heartened by his team’s improved performance and the promising signs shown by his rejigged forward line. With Mbappé firing on all cylinders and Vinícius thriving in a central role, the Spanish giants will fancy their chances of getting a result against Jürgen Klopp’s side.
However, the Italian tactician remains wary of the threat posed by Liverpool, particularly on home turf:
Anfield is always a difficult place to go, but we’re Real Madrid. We fear no one.
A source close to Carlo Ancelotti
As the season enters its decisive phase, Real Madrid appear to be clicking into gear at just the right time. With Mbappé leading the charge and Ancelotti pulling the strings, Los Blancos will be a force to be reckoned with both domestically and in Europe.
